Faithful Families
Even children and youth who regularly attend church and Christian formation typically spend no more than 2-4 hours at church each week. Children’s first and primary faith mentors are their parents or guardians. This means that faith is primarily formed in the home. Here are some resources for helping families journey in faith together. If you have any questions about how to build up faith in your own home please reach out to Missioner Elizabeth Cervasio.
Opportunities for Families
Family Camps
Cathedral Ridge invites you to unplug, relax and delight in the beauty of God’s creation. Enjoy a long weekend of delicious meals, arts & crafts, hikes, high ropes and archery, field games, worship, s’mores and more. Each family stays in a private room in Lupine Lodge. Intergenerational and age-appropriate activities will be offered. Episcopal clergy will serve as chaplains and lead Sunday’s outdoor Eucharist. Come and join us for a time of rest and renewal.
Online Resources
Building Faith is an extensive formation website curated by Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) that includes a section on faith resources for the home. New articles are posted regularly and faith leaders and parents can choose to receive email notifications when items are added.
Grow Christians is a “community of disciples practicing faith at home.” The group blog consists of reflections, stories, images, and recipes from Episcopalians all over, inspiring families to celebrate the presence of God through the Christian year.
Choosing a Children’s Bible
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Nourishing Faith
The Work of the People is a library of videos from various theologians. The excellent collection can be used by individuals or groups. The work includes both videos with guided reflection and without. Memberships start as low as $7 a month and is well worth the money.
Stories of God at Home: A Godly Play Approach by Jerome Berryman
In his latest book, the creator of Godly Play, Jerome Berryman, talks about nourishing faith through storytelling in the home: the importance of storytelling; how to present stories of God at home, weaving them together with one’s family stories; and reading classical children’s books, looking for connections between them and the stories of God. This book invites families to set aside intentional time for sharing stories and conversation, opening up the creative process and making meaning together.
Faithful Families: Creating Sacred Moments at Home by Traci Smith
Faithful Families encourages families to add spiritual practices into their daily life, with a focus on transforming everyday moments into sacred moments.
Sacred Dwelling: A Spirituality of Family Life by Wendy M. Wright and Santa Murphy, illustrator
A book that’s great for that Sunday afternoon (or bed time or anytime) read with the family.
Living in God’s Time: A Parent’s Guide to Nurturing Children throughout the Christian Year by Margaret Persky
This is a great idea mine for incorporating the liturgical calendar into our “out of church” lives.
The Family Cloister: Benedictine Wisdom for the Home by David Robinson
St. Benedict’s very practical rule of life for a monastery (everything, from prayer to laundry, eating to gardening, is done with a heart oriented toward God) is applied to life in a family.
No One Else Like You by Siska Goeminne and Merel Eyckerman
This is a gentle book about the gift of our uniqueness–our unique personalities, ways of life and belief, and physical appearances. Read more >